Glitzy night out at the UJS 'Oscars'

“Dazzling”, “inspiring” and “where’s Ellen?” were just some of the phrases heard at the UJS awards night.

It was a glitzy affair with some 200 people — nominees, parents and guests — gathered at JW3 to celebrate the contributions to Jewish student life made by hundreds of JSoc committee members, activists, and educators throughout the year.

The gold balloons, photo booth and cocktail reception helped to create an atmosphere that was more Hollywood than north-west London.

“This is the largest student awards we’ve ever held,” said UJS president Joe Tarsh. “It’s so exciting to see Jewish students from so many different JSocs getting involved.”

Of course, no awards ceremony would be complete without the gentle ribbing of its high-profile guests. Hosts Matt Keston and Georgina Bye did not disappoint, playing the popular “send to all” texting game on unsuspecting ex-UJS president Alex Green.

More than 100 students — the most ever — were nominated for 11 awards. In a departure from previous years, guests were invited to cast their votes throughout the evening for the highly coveted JSoc of the Year, with the Jewish society at University College London running out the victor.

With all the winners’ family and friends thanked and the red carpet rolled up, students are now looking forward to more prize-worthy achivements on campus:

“I feel immensely proud to be embarking on the year ahead with such fantastic and inspiring students”, said Ella Rose, UJS president-elect.

And the winners are…

JSoc of the Year Award: UCL JSoc

Education Award: Edinburgh JSoc

Events Award: Saul Gaunt, Brighton & Sussex JSoc

Social Action Award: Noah Nathan, Imperial JSoc

Campaigns Award: Miriam Rose, Middlesex JSoc

Communications Award: Mark Larah, Manchester JSoc

Israel Engagement Award: Samantha Magnus and Jordan Grabinski, Leeds JSoc

Interfaith Award: Ben Kasstan, Durham JSoc

Liberation Award: Melissa Leigh, Manchester JSoc

Developing JSoc Award: Middlesex JSoc

Alan Senitt Award: Joe Cohen, Nottingham JSoc